La Liga president Javier Tebas says ‘Infantino era is over’ at Fifa

Tebas Declares Infantino’s Tenure at FIFA Has Reached Its End

Wanderstayfinder.com – La Liga’s president has issued a forceful condemnation of Gianni Infantino’s leadership at FIFA, declaring that the Swiss official’s time in power has definitively concluded. Javier Tebas, one of football’s most persistent voices of dissent, argues that the current president is fundamentally undermining the sport’s core identity while simultaneously calling for comprehensive structural reform across global football governance.

The Spanish football administrator, who has maintained a vocal opposition to FIFA’s current direction for years, stated unequivocally that the Infantino era has concluded. Tebas emphasized that control of the beautiful game must extend beyond the current circle of elite organizations and associations that dominate decision-making processes worldwide.

A Long-Standing Critic Speaks Out

While Tebas’s harsh assessment may not catch many insiders by surprise, it reinforces a growing chorus of criticism aimed at Infantino. This criticism has intensified following revelations about the president’s secret—and ultimately abandoned—plans to sell a portion of World Cup ownership to private investment firms. The proposed transaction would have fundamentally altered how the tournament generates and distributes revenue.

In a comprehensive interview with the French publication Le Monde, Tebas reiterated his position that Infantino should step down immediately. This appeal was initially voiced following the conclusion of the most recent World Cup tournament, but predates the public emergence of the stake sale controversy.

For me, Gianni Infantino’s time has long since passed. I’m not saying this because of recent events; I have noticed this style of management for a long time, though everyone else seems to be discovering it only now.

Tebas continued his assessment, arguing that the Swiss president fails to contribute positively to football’s development. Rather than nurturing growth, Tebas contends that Infantino’s initiatives are actively eroding the foundation of the sport—specifically, the national league systems that form the backbone of football culture across continents.

European Opposition Gains Momentum

Infantino now faces mounting pressure from multiple quarters as he attempts to retain his position. The 56-year-old Swiss administrator is confronting an increasingly coordinated campaign led by European football officials and other stakeholders who believe his continued leadership represents an untenable situation for world football.

UEFA has communicated clearly that it views Infantino’s ongoing presidency as problematic. The Norwegian Football Association has formally requested that the president resign from his position. Additionally, several European member associations have withdrawn their letters of support for Infantino’s potential re-election to lead FIFA.

Complicating matters further, UEFA confirmed on Saturday that a substantial departure payment was issued to a female employee. This individual is alleged to have maintained a romantic relationship with Infantino during his tenure as the organization’s general secretary, more than ten years ago.

Gianni Infantino is not someone who contributes to the growth of football. On the contrary, his projects are destroying the very essence of the sport: the national leagues.

The Stake Sale Scandal and Its Aftermath

The Daily Telegraph revealed on Friday evening that the woman in question received a payment exceeding six figures following the alleged relationship. FIFA has categorically dismissed these allegations as entirely unfounded, maintaining that the claims lack any substantive basis.

On Saturday night, FIFA released an official statement accusing Infantino’s detractors of attempting to remove him from office through means that bypass established democratic procedures. The statement emphasized that those lacking support from FIFA’s member associations should not pursue their objectives through allegations, insinuations, or the spread of misinformation.

Football is not limited to the elite. For me, the Infantino era is over. What remains to be seen is when that will take effect and how the succession will unfold. I hope it is not just a matter of swapping out some people for others, but of a genuine overhaul.

Global Support and Potential Boycott

Despite the European opposition, Infantino has secured backing from influential nations outside the continent. Mexico, which co-hosted the most recent World Cup, and Argentina, the tournament finalists, have both expressed support for the current president.

UEFA continues to entertain the possibility of a comprehensive boycott encompassing all FIFA tournaments. This potential disruption would significantly impact the global football calendar, particularly with the Women’s Under-20 World Cup scheduled to commence in Poland on September 5.

The situation at FIFA represents more than a simple leadership contest. It reflects a broader debate about who should control football’s future and whether the sport’s governance structures adequately serve all levels of the game, from grassroots to professional elite. Tebas’s intervention adds considerable weight to calls for meaningful change rather than superficial adjustments to the current system.